Two unique flower bulbs were donated to the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory in January. One has bloomed and is on display in the Conservatory’s lobby. The second flower, located in the tropical room is in the process of blooming. These unusual flowers reach up to six feet in height and smell like rotting flesh for a day or two when the blooms open, which is why they are often referred to as a Corpse Flower.

The flower is pollinated by flies, so when it blooms it smells like rotting meat to attract flies. The flowers will last for a couple of weeks, although the odor does not.

Ray is Online Creative Content Producer for INFortWayne.com. He also contributes photography and video to other KPC Media Group publications. Ray can be reached at (260) 426-2640 ext. 3316, via email at rsteup@kpcmedia.com or on Twitter @RaySteupKPC.